Growers are being urged to ‘share their story’ as part of the new theme for next year’s Open Farm Sunday (OFS) event that aims to reflect the diversity within British farming.
Organised by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), next year’s event takes place on 5 June and is aiming to reach record numbers of the public.
The new theme, named ‘Discover the World of Farming’, will call on all growers to share their story from how crops are grown to how they manage the countryside. Growers can host farm walks, or run larger events, using a range of free resources provided by LEAF as well as benefiting from support from regional co-ordinators.
On-farm science and technology activities are also new for this year's event, developed by researchers who have received specific funding to help OFS activities.
Registration opens from 1 December, and social media, mini case studies and videos are also being produced to support the recruitment campaign.
Annabel Shackleton, OFS manager, said: “Open Farm Sunday is the industry’s annual open day showcasing all types of farming. Historically, it has focused on the story of food production, but British farmers are responsible for so much more.
“Whether they are producing nutritious food, fuel, or crops for medicine, clothing and manufacturing, we want to reach out to all farmers to share their story on Open Farm Sunday. The day is a great opportunity to show the public why farming is so important and to help build trust and understanding in agriculture.
“Whether farmers choose to hold a simple farm walk or a much bigger event, Open Farm Sunday is their chance to explain to the public what farming is all about and why it matters. We have lots of exciting new activities for Open Farm Sunday 2016 and are looking forward to even more farmers taking part next year.”
Last year’s OFS saw nearly 400 farms welcome over a quarter of a million visitors and LEAF is aiming to beat this record in 2016.

